The prelate, who was born and raised in Talibon, Bohol, has largely been credited by Vatican officials for his church rebuilding efforts in the wake of Haiti’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010.
“We have to start the reconstruction with very solid principles to avoid confusion and disappointments and ill feelings of those who are willing to help,†Auza was once quoted in 2010 by a Vatican newspaper.
Three years later, Auza’s home province was hit by an equally powerful earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013 which toppled centuries-old churches here.
Chatto said Auza has shown Boholanos how to rise from calamity and lend support to the helpless.
“We Boholanos should emulate the Christian life and Auza’s work which he exemplified best during times of disaster,†the governor said.
Auza, one of 12 siblings of Meliton Garcia Auza and Magdalena Polestico Cleopas, entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) in Tagbilaran City, the only seminary school in Bohol which has produced hundreds of Boholano priests now assigned in various parishes here and abroad.
Auza pursued his Licentiate in Philosophy at the University of Sto. Tomas and earned the degree in 1981. He also obtained his Licentiate in Theology and his Masters in Education all in 1986.
The Boholano prelate was ordained bishop in California, USA in June, 1985.
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